Monterey and the Salinas Valley are hosting the Produce Marketing Association's annual conference and expo this weekend, the only event in the country dedicated to produce in food service.

This year, the conference is being held at Portola Plaza in Monterey and focuses on innovation in food safety, digital branding and menu design.

The nation's largest food chains, restaurateurs and food distributors toured three local farm fields -- Ocean Mist, Royal Rose and River Ranch -- to learn about new agriculture techniques and how to ensure food safety from the field to the supply chain.

Salinas Valley was chosen as the conference site because its innovation and leadership in the agricultural industry.

"It's the food basket of the world, actually, because they produce so many unique and different items, all high quality," said Bill Schneider of Southern California-based Melissa's Produce. "It's amazing what they do in this area."

"What these people are doing, they're so far ahead of the curve with what's coming down in the line, it's great to know," Matt Mandel of SunFed said.